How to Grow Chives

Chives Germination Information

Chives Seed Germination How to Sow Chives:

  • Sow indoors at a temperature of 68-70° and at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds
  • Expect germination in 10-14 days
  • Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors in early spring when the soil is still cool
  • When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed

How to Grow Chives:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space 6 inches apart in full sun or light shade

Soil: Site in a rich, moist, well-drained soil

Additional Care: Clumps of Chives may be lifted in the fall and grown indoors in a sunny windowsill for winter harvesting

Appearance and Use:

Primarily grown for its culinary use, however, it adds a dainty vertical aspect and attractive flowers to any container or border display. Small bulbs produce the 8-12 inch long, slender, tubular, green leaves and the small, globular, lavender flower heads that appear in early summer. The leaves have a delicate onion flavor that are used fresh or dried in soups, sauces, salads, vinegar, cream cheese, and other spreads. Harvest them at any time. The edible flowers are also used as a fresh garnish to soups and salads


About Chives:
Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum
Pronunciation:  al’e-um sho’-no-pra-sum
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Liliaceae; native to Europe and Asia